VIDEO: Totowa Teen Helicopter Pilot Sees Endless Horizon

Passaic County Youngest Pilot 16 Year Old. Today is a very exciting day to see my angel do her 1st helicopter flight.. The start of a great career in aviation. Pilot L. Barriga "BluVen" Daddy so Proud! There are no great limits to growth because
Video Credit: Victor "Hawk" Barriga

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TOTOWA, N.J. – Lucy Barriga of Totowa sees the world differently than most 16 year olds: That’s because she’s one of the youngest helicopter pilots around.

Lucy, who goes by the handle “BluVen,” got interested in flying while watching her dad, Victor, make videos about helicopter aviation.

“The view, taking off, listening to the instructor talk on the radio with other pilots – it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for me,” the Passaic County Technical Institute student says. “I know most other kids don't have the same opportunity.”

Earlier this week, Victor “Hawk” Barriga beamed as his angel climbed into the pilot-in-command’s seat in the cockpit of a Garden State Helicopter Robinson 22 at Lincoln Park Airport.

He shot a video, of course, which builds to Lucy finally hovering.

“I am really proud of her to do this,” Barriga said. “I think she’s the youngest pilot in Passaic County.

“As a pilot myself, it takes a lot to be able to take on this course,” the proud papa added. “This is the start of a great career in aviation.

“The future is in the air.”

He’s taught his daughter that there are no limits to growth or perspective – and she’s taken the lesson. Guess you could call it "cyclical."